Massive fan crowds gather in sweltering Toronto for Portugal-Croatia World Cup match

Portugal and Croatia fans have packed Toronto Stadium for a pivotal World Cup match that has drawn massive crowds to the city despite a stifling heat wave.

The round of 32 match is the final game of the international tournament to be played in Toronto. It could be the final World Cup appearance of two legends of the sport as Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia’s Luka Modric are both in their 40s.

• READ MORE: Toronto hosts Portugal vs. Croatia as its last 2026 FIFA World Cup match today. Live updates here.

Thousands of Portugal fans marched from Stanley Park to the stadium, drumming, chanting and singing in Portuguese. A large contingent of Croatia fans also formed their own march and showed up in strong numbers.

Ronaldo in particular was a big draw for soccer fans and spectators since his team’s arrival on Wednesday. Hundreds of fans crowded outside the team’s hotel and practice site, hoping to catch a glimpse of the global superstar.

Dante Doria travelled from London, Ont., to support Portugal, and with hopes that he and his friend could score last-minute tickets to the game.

“Growing up, Cristiano was my idol so watching him would be my dream come true,” he said.

For Croatia fans, that idol is Modric, a World Cup veteran.

“He’s been there my whole life basically, so if this is his last game it’s going to be emotional,” Zoran Strbac said outside the stadium.

Croatia fans cheer prior to a World Cup round of 32 soccer match against Portugal, in Toronto on Thursday, July 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

One group of fans said they were relieved to finally be able to see Croatia play in Toronto, after they lost thousands of dollars in a ticket scam when they tried to attend the country’s previous match in the city against Panama.

Kara Ribaric, who came to Toronto two weeks ago from Croatia, and members of her family who live in Hamilton said they lost more than $13,000 in the scam.

Thankfully this time, they got tickets for the Croatia-Portugal match “the right way,” said John Sulug.

“We’re so happy to be here,” Ribaric said.

A heat warning is in place for Toronto, with the humidity expected to make it feel like 42 C, and a strong thunderstorm set to possibly come during the match.

The city cancelled match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square due to the extreme heat forecast and the amount of resources required to safely manage large crowds at all the FIFA events.

The FIFA Fan Festival is still open with heat relief measures including misting stations and drinking water trailers. The city says paramedics and law enforcement officials will be in attendance to support fan and staff safety.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2026.

Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press